By Andy Goodell, Communications ManagerNell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

At the MSN/DNP Winter Awards, attendees will get to hear from two dynamic student leaders from these programs, Haley Reid and Shanita Webb. The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing’s MSN/DNP Winter Awards Ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, at Glenn Memorial Auditorium.

Haley Reid

Reid, of Loganville, GA, is earning her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner this month. She’s also currently working toward a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Health Systems Leadership, which she is set to complete in 2019.

Reid credits Assistant Professor Clint Shedd with making her FNP class time extremely valuable because of his engaging lecture style. Shedd, who serves as FNP coordinator at the School of Nursing, provided Reid with plenty of support for her chosen path of learning, she says.

As a School of Nursing student, Reid says she admires the flexibility afforded to her, especially as a nurse practitioner in training. She says the learning environments at the School of Nursing help her balance class, clinical rotations, class work, family, friends, and personal time.

“The faculty here at the School of Nursing are dedicated to improving the student experience,” says Reid. “As a student, I appreciate their willingness to address my needs and make changes as appropriate. Whether it was posting an additional lecture to clarify a confusing concept in class or giving us an extension on a project, as a student I always felt cared for and supported.”

Webb, of Atlanta, will earn her Doctor of Nursing Practice with a concentration in Health Systems Leadership this month.

Shanita Webb

Like Reid, Webb also found endless support at the School of Nursing. She credits Assistant Clinical Professors Lisa Muirhead, Corrine Abraham, and Associate Professor Ursula Kelly with making a lasting impact on her life. She says their expertise and support was critical in the formation of her DNP project.

Webb is an Air Force Nurse Practitioner and hopes to enter into a leadership position at the operational or strategic level within the Air Force Medical Services. She even aspires to be the chief nurse of the United States Air Force someday.

Upon graduating with her FNP, Reid says she plans to practice as a family nurse practitioner in rural or underserved areas to fulfill her HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship agreement. As for her career after earning her DNP, Reid says she will continue to address healthcare disparities and qualities inconsistencies in rural and underserved areas.

“I have always loved working with vulnerable populations, and with the health professional shortage seen in the state of Georgia, I found myself drawn to primary care,” Reid says. “I enjoy seeing patients of all ages- from infants to the elderly- and I love the privilege of being able to create long term relationships with my patients.”